Brian O'Donoghue

The Toronto region had its fourth consecutive month of record sales volumes in October with 10,563 homes sold, up 25% from October 2019 and the Toronto Real Estate Board is forecasting record or near-record sales to continue through the balance of the year. The average sale price for the GTA was up 13.7% to $968,318 and for the City of Toronto it was up 10.8% to $1,025,925. Detached homes led the way, with sales up 33.9% and an average sale price of $1,204,844, an increase of 14.8%.

New listings for all categories of homes rose to 17,802 across the GTA, up 36% from October 2019. Condo listings more than doubled to 6,193, compared to October 2019. Sales of condominium apartments fell 8.5% in the City of Toronto compared to the same month in 2019, with prices up just .8% to $668,161. Active listings are up 158% in Toronto to 5,719 units. As the pandemic slowed economic development and halted tourism in the city, the short and long-term rental income many investors relied upon dried up. If you are looking to buy a condo it’s a buyer’s market now and you will benefit from more choice available.
 

The strongest gains across all re-sale housing categories occurred in the 905 communities outside Toronto, where buyers can often afford a little more space. Suburban areas that once lagged desirable city addresses are now roaring hot as home buyers wearied by lockdowns seek bigger yards and larger living spaces. Tight downtown condo markets that previously commanded expensive rents are now thick with supply. And the flow of immigrants that typically fuel demand for housing of all types has slowed to a trickle.